Attracting & Retaining Talent in a Modern Workforce

Do you know what attracts and retains talent at your organization?

Twenty years ago, employees were attracted to jobs that promised predictability in one’s schedule. Attractive perks may have included free dry cleaning or swanky holiday parties. The signifier of seniority or having “made it” in one’s career came from earning the corner private office. That private office was so coveted that even typical cubicle design attempted to mimic the look and feel of a private office with large, high cubicle walls that closed employees off from one another, essentially functioning as small, private offices.

Even where the open floor plan is king, employees don’t tend to desire the private office. In today’s workforce, employees tend to value perks like working in modern, fun work environments. They care about the aesthetic value of where they spend 1/3 of their lives.

Above all, today’s workforce values autonomy and flexibility. This means being empowered with the trust that you will perform your job functions on your own terms. A recent Forbes article cites permanent flexibility as the top thing employees want from their job – followed by a commitment to health and wellness and working with a purpose. This means employees do not feel guilt or face repercussions for leaving early one day a week to meet up with their trivia team or for working from home when children are sick.

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Companies that are successful at attracting and retaining talent in a modern workforce tend to have relaxed, aesthetically pleasing environments where employees are permitted to come and go as they need.

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In some cities, oversaturated tech markets give employees in this industry the ability to be picky with regards to where they work. As such, these companies have to think beyond traditional idea of perks to attract talent. Companies like Facebook, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are known for their cutting-edge perks that are attractive to a modern workforce.

Some examples of these types of perks include:

• Dog-friendly environment
• Snacks! Helping your employees get over that 3pm hump by providing coffee bars and snack stations keeps folks engaged and properly fueled so they can function at optimal levels.
• Full-service kitchens with chef prepared meals
• Happy Hour! If your office is alcohol friendly, weekly or monthly happy hours allow for employees to relax and engage with coworkers.

Snack stations and coffee bars are a great way to keep your employees engaged and fueled.

These are just a few small examples of workspace perks that delight a modern workforce. While our experience has provided some enlightenment, we would like to hear from you! Let us know in the comments what perks attract and delight talent within your organization.